Catfish and Portrayals from Technology - Research Paper Example

? Introduction The current trends in society automatically lead to controversies and questions about the reality of specific actions taken by individuals. In the documentary, “Catfish,” there is an exploration of the trends as well as the potential responses associated with the documentary. This documentary explores a romantic relationship which emerges from Facebook, as well as how this particular relationship turns into a reality story. The information provided on Facebook becomes a lie, with a domestic housewife caring for two disabled sons posing as a younger woman who has a child prodigy as a sister. As the story unfolds, one is able to find that the profile used is fake and the reality which is found by the end of the story is evident (Joost, Schulman, 2010). This particular artifact defines the controversies surrounding the trends on Facebook and the complexities which are associated with the cultural and societal beliefs with Facebook. The documentary becomes a reflection of the culture and the current questions that are associated with building an online reputation. This paper contends that the acceleration and pervasiveness of technology has led to a system of mis-communication in which a cultural climate based on deception and dependency has manifested itself. However, the documentary isn’t important to explore only because of the complexities now in society with technology. The debates about the reality of this documentary as well as whether it is an artifact used only to idolize today’s trends further show that the cultural climate is growing into one based on technologies and the false representations associated with this. Catfish and Portrayals from Technology The concept of “Catfish” is one which can first be explored through the concepts of online interaction and the way in which individuals portray themselves within the world. Whether this documentary holds truth or not, there are questions related to the strong response from society. A response which is noted by most reviewing the film is that the interaction between the two having the relationship over Facebook seems genuine. This is important to note as it creates a commentary about society and how the social participation is now leading into a world where technology and factors based on relationships through the computer are accepted and acted upon continuously. The relationship is essential to understanding the power of social networks as well as the belief in connection which is created when using technology (Geoghegan, 2011). The amount of time spent in the film with the long distance relationship without the meeting is one which is acceptable and which most would apply as applicable to the way in which most relate to technology in the present day (Kirk, 2010). Another exploration about the use of Facebook and the social participation occurring is based on the ease of use with most, specifically with using and manipulating technology. The woman who is able to change her appearance, demeanor and the persona which she carries is consistent through the entire movie, even though it becomes fake. What is as important is with the capturing of the film. When speaking with the film makers, they state first that there was never intention to make this into a film; however, the diary of events was easy to record and keep consistent. When things started to turn was when the filming was able to become a main part of the documentary. This shows that the combination of social interactions and technology is continuing to emerge with a natural culture which is based on the simple to use and growing technology as a component of the culture (Mullen, 2010). The simplistic use of technology and the application used for social interactions is not only growing because of the ideas of culture and the ability to create a change in lifestyle from simple technology. Another important component is the establishment of technology and social interactions as an element of popular culture, as opposed to being a marginalized group of individuals interested in high – end technology. This particular concept has not only grown into a basic documentary, but has allowed MTV to take the idea and create a spin on the documentary, all which targets social interactions and the reality of what occurs behind the scenes with the relationships (Anderton, 2010). The popularity of this is one which is based on the mediated use of technology combined with the ability to create a different social reality with others that are online. This growing trend is one which is fostering different forms of social behavior while altering the way in which many are looking at new ways of socialization and trends in the culture (Bryant, Jackson, Smallwood, 2006). Reactions to Catfish The reviews and reactions to “Catfish” generate a secondary understanding of social and popular culture as well as how this relates to the misuse of technology. There are many which stated that the documentary, while true elements may have been involved, was based on setting up the scenario and building a thriller out of the main events which occurred. The rumors that are associated with Facebook and social interactions are often based on being careful and not trusting individuals that are online, specifically because of the ability to build a fake identity. It also shows how there are several misunderstandings with how technology is used, what social interactions may lead to and what the believed trends are with being online (Zeitchik, 2010). Instead of the film being based on only the popularity of online interactions, there is also a question of how many in popular culture may feel about the realities of the interactions. The belief that one can build a fake identity for a changed lifestyle, questions from reviewers over whether this is true and the popular spins on the documentary all point to the curiosity about social interactions as well as the misunderstandings that there are about online technology uses. The documentary is able to display how most in popular culture, while following social media trends, don’t understand the complex realities that are limited by the use of technology (Rosenthal, 2007). The importance of the reactions is one which can be evaluated from two perspectives. The first is based on the belief which popular culture has over whether it can be reality that an individual can fake their lifestyle online. The second is based on the understanding that technology is limited, which is shown through the interactions. If one believes that this documentary is complete, then the social reactions follow one group which shows the limitations of Facebook. If one believes that this is false, then there is the belief that these particular social interactions don’t occur online. Instead of an interest in the truth, the responses question both sides of the reality of social interactions with technology (Ehrlich, 2010). The documentary and the reality which is exposed is one that doesn’t remain important because of the specific interactions which occur on the screen. Instead, it is the wide responses which have been received about the reality of social interactions, whether this can be true and what the benefits are of creating a different identity online. Another aspect which is considered as a part of this is with the ending of the film, which exposes the reality that the woman lives as well as the sad elements that are focused on this reality and the difficulties of the life which she has. When looking at this in comparison to the online social interactions which she has, as well as the admitted statements related to wanting to create a different and fictional life, there is an understanding of how social networks may benefit those using the materials. Even though there are questions over the reality of this, each individual is questioning if the online networks, specifically with Facebook, provide for more beneficial actions by interacting with others in a place where an individual doesn’t know the reality of everything you are living. This creates a safe community that leads to the psychological interactions that allow an individual to benefit personally from the false interactions (Ellison, Steinfield, 2007). The documentary reactions show that this specific question is one that is based on whether individuals are creating this false reality and if it exists outside of the technological social worlds. The reflections of the psychological intentions and social interactions mirror those that are a part of the reactions seen from reviewers and those online. The component of the story is to show that the Internet provides a shield for social interactions which allow one to create a different identity and to live in a reality that doesn’t truly exist. However, this is one which is psychologically based on other needs and desires. While many have heard this story before, there are others who are stating that the use of the Internet for the deceptions is one which is common and which creates controversy, because of the feeling of safety, instead of the need to create a true reality. More important, the reactions to the film show that there is the same question of what type of reality is being created and whether it can be depicted as a true story. These two controversies show that there is not only a strong response to social networking, but also applications which are associated directly with the question of realities and how it can be manipulated with technology, either through the recording of a documentary or through online portfolios (Rain, 2011). Conclusion The concepts seen in “Catfish” depict the basic ideals of social networks and the realities of technology. The ability to alter reality as well as the beliefs in the true social interactions as being a part of the technology are some of the associations pointed out in this particular documentary. The cultural associations with this show the prominence of technology as well as how it can be used. However, there are also questions because of the reviews of the movie. The question is based on whether the documentary is showing reality or whether it is based on propaganda against portals such as Facebook. When questioning this, it can be seen that the cultural and social reactions with technology all hold the same conflicts, specifically which is based on creating a reality that may not seem realistic or which conflicts with the truth of how one is living. References Anderton, Ethan. (2010). “MTV Developing Reality Show Based on CATFISH Documentary.” Colider Retrieved from: http://collider.com/mtv-reality-show-catfish/83590/. This article will describe how the popular debates of “Catfish” have led into a part of the social networking culture and the complexities associated with this. The concept will then show how this has led into further investigations over the phenomena of social networking by using the MTV show to propel this idea forward. Bryant, Alison, Ashley Jackson, Amber Smallwood. (2006). “Iming, Text Messaging and Adolescent Social Networks.” Journal of Computer Mediated Communication 11 (2). This particular article refers to the ideas of social networks and the growth of technology as well as how they are becoming established areas for youth. The concept shows not only how this is changing the use of technology but also is altering the ways in which individuals communicate with each other at a mass level. Ehrlich, David. (2010). “Catfish Lawsuit May Expose Truth Behind Documentary.” Cinematical Retrieved from: http://blog.moviefone.com/2010/12/04/catfish-lawsuit/. This article shows the controversies and questions arising behind “Catfish,” specifically with the controversy that the documentary is fake and isn’t offering true insight into what is occurring in the field of social media with depictions which were heightened for a popular response. Ellison, NB, C Steinfield. (2007). “The Benefits of Facebook Friends: Social Capital and College Students’ Use of Online Social Networks.” Journal of Computer Science 15 (4). This article will explore the idea of social capital, which is associated with building friends, expanding into networks and creating different associations with online social elements. This will be inclusive of the Facebook networks that are enhancing the use of connecting to others. Geoghegan, Kevin. (2011). “DIY Film Making.” BBC News Retrieved from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12751244. This article shows how the concept of the documentary is another form of technology which is being heightened and adding into the different elements of making films as well as the dangers behind the easy to use technology and the reflections this imposes on society, specifically in defining differences between reality and fantasy. Joost, Henry, Ariel Schulman. (2010). Catfish New York: Rogue Pictures. This picture was watched to show the element of social networking and the popularity which is in society, as well as the false identity which can easily be created on social platforms and change the way in which individuals are associated with a given identity. Kirk, Jeremy. (2010). “Review: Life and Art Commingle in the Documentary ‘Catfish.’” First Showing Retrieved from: http://www.firstshowing.net/2010/review-life-and-art-commingle-in-the-documentary-catfish/. This article will review the ideas of the documentary “Catfish.” The description will show how there is an element of truth with the documentary as well as depictions that are falsely represented and which don’t show the realities of what is occurring within society and on Facebook. Mullen, Luke. (2010). “Interview: ‘Catfish’ Filmmakers Get Real About Their Documentary.” Film School Rejects Retrieved from: http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/interview-catfish-filmmakers-get-real-about-their-documentary.php. This interview will be used to give the perspective and views of those creating the film as well as the concepts associated with their ideals about social networking and the popularity of this. The concepts which they show will also provide perspective of the controversies that are a part of social networking and the ability to use technology easily and in several different ways. Rain. (2011). ‘Catfish, A Documentary.” Rainy Day Thoughts Retrieved from: http://rainydaythought.blogspot.com/2011/03/catfish-documentary.html. This blog will be used as an example of the effectiveness of technology and the documentary. There will also be an explanation of how individuals who are using online portals are cautious of identity with the false representation being prevalent, as well as how this creates a disconnection from true social interactions within society. Rosenthal, A. (2007). Writing, Directing and Producing Documentary Films and Videos. New York: Routledge. This book will be used to describe the process of producing documentary films as well as the stigma which is created around the film. The portrayal that is created, as well as the social responses defined often change the associations which one has with the film. Zeitchik, Steven. (2010). “Catfish Blurs Line Between Documentary and Feature Film.” Los Angeles Times (September). This article will be used to show the oppositional viewpoints of the documentary made. This will include the disbelief in the technology leading to a false profile and the story behind the fake identity. There are also descriptions of how the social media is reflective of the false identity that is a part of the Facebook portals and which doesn’t lead to a connection with true social interactions. Read More